Useful Belief

Preface

I am a motivational speaker — but I really don't like that title. I think it labels me in a way that somehow makes me seem like I'm not a regular person, when the fact is I'm dealing with a lot of the same stuff that everyone else is.

From establishing an identity to building relationships, all of us are riding this thing called ‘life'. We all have to deal with the obligations that come with all kinds of commitments in many different areas — financial, business, relationship, parenting, family, friends and health.

Over the past 14 years, I have presented to more than 2000 audiences. I have been a keynote speaker, trainer, facilitator, coach and mentor to hundreds of thousands of people. I have witnessed many people spend endless energy on trying to change things they have absolutely no control over. Even if they don't want to change things, they spend a phenomenal amount of time worrying about them.

My goal in writing this book is to give people a simple tool that will help them focus on what is truly ‘useful' in making the most of their life.

I was at a Christmas party last year when a man (who seemed to have had a few drinks) approached me and said, ‘I heard you are a motivational speaker.' He snickered. ‘Why don't you say something to motivate me?'

I laughed and tried to brush it off, but he persisted. ‘No, seriously, what do you tell people? Do you tell people to be positive? Is that what you say? “Be positive”?'

I hesitated. His tone was quite aggressive. For ...